Grant Endorsed by Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones in Challenge to Unseat Bera

In an early sign of support among the Sacramento area Republican establishment, candidate Andrew Grant has received the endorsement of Sacramento Sheriff Scott Jones.

Grant is one of two Republicans who has entered the race challenging Democratic incumbent Dr. Ami Bera for California's Seventh Congressional District. Bera is in his third term of what has become of the country's most competitive congressional districts.

In making the endorsement, Jones emphasized Grant's military and national intelligence diplomatic background saying he has " real world disaster-response experience."

"He knows what it takes for our first responders to deal with major disasters, including terrorism, and will be a great partner in Washington," Jones said.

Grant, along with fellow Republican Dr. Yona Barish and Democratic lawyer Brad Westmoreland have entered the race to date. Bera, who defeated Jones in 2016, has won each of his races by razor-thin margins, with his most recent victory the widest of his three wins dating to 2012 when he defeated incumbent Republican Dan Lungren.

Along with Jones, Grant was also endorsed by former Congressman Doug Ose who narrowly lost to Bera in 2014. Other area elected Republican officials endorsing Grant include Folsom Mayor Steve Milkos and Folsom Council Member Robert Gaylord.

The 2016 Bera-Jones race was estimated to cost over $14.4 million. Once the top two finishers in the June primary are determined, should he advance to the November election, with Bera one of four Democratic incumbents being targeted by the National Republican Congressional Committee, it is again expected to be a costly campaign for the finalist.